TripAdvisor® announced the results of the TripBarometer1 study, the world’s largest accommodation and traveler survey, highlighting key travel trends for 2016. Conducted on behalf of TripAdvisor by independent research firm Ipsos, the TripBarometer study is the analysis of more than 44,000 survey responses from travelers and the hotel sector worldwide. The TripBarometer “2016 Travel Trends” report presents a snapshot of the travel landscape for 2016, revealing domestic and global travel trends.
“This year’s TripBarometer shows that U.S. travelers continue to recognize the importance of treating themselves to travel,” said Barbara Messing, chief marketing officer, TripAdvisor. “With one third of survey respondents planning to spend more this year, we expect to see even more travelers checking both domestic and international destinations off of their wish lists.”
U.S. Travel Trends of 2016
Seventy-eight percent of U.S. travelers plan to spend more or the same in 2016, which is the third largest annual travel budget among countries globally:
Top Reasons U.S. Travelers Will Spend More on Travel in 2016
- Because they/their family deserves it (46%)
- Going somewhere on their wish list (46%)
- Going on more long trips (38%)
- Longer length of trips (34%)
U.S. Baby Boomers plan to spend $10,600 on travel in 2016, twice as much as Millennials ($5,300). This is higher than the global averages – $8,700 and $2,900, respectively.
Ninety-six percent of U.S. travelers are planning a domestic trip in 2016 compared to the global average of 90 percent. Seventy-two percent are planning an international trip, which is slightly lower than the global average of 85 percent.
Top Reasons U.S. Respondents Choose Travel Destinations
- Culture of the destination (50%)
- Recommendations from family and friends (36%)
- Events (34%)
- Special offers/packages at hotel or accommodation (27%)
When selecting accommodations, cost is the key consideration for travelers in the U.S. – 94 percent of respondents named price as the most important factor when booking the accommodation for their last trip. Accommodation ratings (90%), TripAdvisor reviews (89%), proximity to attractions (86%) and dining options (79%) also ranked high on the list.
U.S. Traveler Quirks
The Top 5 Things U.S. Travelers Won’t Leave Home Without
- Toiletries (77%)
- Smartphone (74%)
- Camera (57%)
- Clothing for special occasions (56%)
- Adaptor (51%)
U.S. travelers rank as the fourth most “germophobic” in the world, with 37 percent listing hand sanitizer as a travel essential, compared to 23 percent globally. They value their beauty rest as well – 13 percent bring their own pillow, higher than the global average of six percent.
Amenity Deal Breakers
Certain amenities will make or break a hotel’s chances of earning a booking. U.S. travelers expect more for less, and will book elsewhere if an accommodation does not offer:
- Air-conditioning (70%)
- In-room Wi-Fi (42%)
- Parking (38%)
- Safe deposit (25%)
- Breakfast (24%)
For additional information about the TripBarometer, please visit http://www.tripadvisor.com/TripAdvisorInsights/n2670 to download the global report.
